New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) President Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on February 17. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Speaker’s participation in this event reflects the deep and strong friendship between the people of India and Bangladesh.
The Ministry of External Affairs wrote, “As neighbors bound by a shared history, culture, and mutual respect, India welcomes the arrival of the elected government in Bangladesh under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, whose vision and values have received overwhelming support from the people.”
Why is PM Modi not attending?
According to a report in Bangladeshi daily newspaper Prathom Alo, Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, had invited PM Narendra Modi to attend the swearing-in ceremony. According to Indian media reports, he has a pre-scheduled bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on February 17th. He also has the AI Impact Summit in Delhi, which is why he will not be able to attend the event.
Invitations to 13 Countries
According to diplomatic sources, Bangladesh has extended invitations to India, China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan to attend the swearing-in ceremony. The swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet will be held on Tuesday afternoon, February 17th, at the South Plaza of the National Parliament.
BNP Wins a Resounding Victory
In the general elections held in Bangladesh on February 12, 2026, the Tarique Rahman-led BNP secured a landslide victory, winning 209 seats in the 300-seat parliament. The Jamaat-e-Islami alliance emerged as the main opposition party. This was the first election since the removal of long-time leader Sheikh Hasina following massive public protests in 2024.
PM Modi Congratulated
Following this major political change in Bangladesh’s leadership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi heartily congratulated Tarique Rahman on the BNP’s electoral victory. In his message on the social media platform ‘X’, Modi congratulated Rahman, writing:
“I heartily congratulate Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a decisive victory in the Bangladesh parliamentary elections. This victory reflects the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership. India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relationship and advance our shared development goals.”
BNP Expressed Gratitude
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, the BNP expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Modi’s message and the recognition given to its party’s leadership. The party said, “Thank you very much, Honourable @narendramodi. We appreciate your recognition of Tarique Rahman’s leadership in delivering a decisive victory for the BNP in the national elections. This result reflects the trust and confidence that the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership and the democratic process.”
